How do you make a mini session work? You’ve got to charge less and in exchange, give less service. Neither of which do anything to help your brand.
It’s one of the reasons I have avoided them at all costs.
I know minis are super popular with boudoir photographers but for me…it just seems like a lot of work for a little amount of money, attracting a budget client. But because I like a challenge, I thought…
“How can I make this work?”
Portraits [for me] are the easiest and quickest service to produce. Less shoot time, quick and easy to pose, less retouching and they make a great large wall portrait [lower costs]. If I was going to do a mini session, a portrait would make more sense. Which got me thinking…
Would a portrait work for a mini session? Why not!!
A mini session after all, is a great way for clients to try out your services before scheduling a full shoot. A portrait is a great way for them to experience the makeover, how you work, how you pose, retouch etc. Wouldn’t it make more sense to offer a portrait as a mini session and be able to sell a bigger boudoir shoot later?
Even better, use them to turn your exhisting client base into repeat clients!
Everyone knows that keeping a client is cheaper than getting new clients. But if we’re completely honest here, most women only do a boudoir shoot once or twice in their lifetime. Sure there are a few that may come back regularly, but that’s not the norm. However, if they loved working with you and you give them a reason to come back, why wouldn’t they?!
Themed portraits are the answer.
Come up with a theme [think the cover of Vogue magazine] to offer your clients!! It creates something special, creates urgency [limited to “X” number of appointments available], offers something that makes you stand out, helps to fill your calendar and gives you the chance to connect with clients…old and new.
To get started, here’s a top 10 list of ideas for creative, themed portraits:
1] Monocromatic [Makeup, wardrobe, background, lighting etc.]
2] 50 Shades of Grey [Black | Whites with black lipstick or bring in a prop lik a whip or blindfold.]
3] Smokey Eye [Feature your clients eyes with a dark, dramatic look]
4] Blown Away [Everyone loves a windblown look!]
5] Gatsby [Jewelry, fringe, black bobbed wig…]
6] Golden Glow [Glowing, shimmery skin, gold sequin dress, with makeup featuring gold tones.]
7] Peek-a-Boo [Gather all the masks you can and let your client choose one for her portrait]
8] Implied Nude [This is for the brave clients who want to try a quic boudoir look]
9] Cotton Candy [All things pink. Pink backdrop, pink lipstick, scandy on the lips maybe…]
10] Lashes n Lips [Bold, red lips and full, fun lashes]
